Now I have the steering head taper roller bearings (Part No; 4820-36TR) I can start assembling the Ariel. This is the stage of the build I like the most as just about everything is now cleaned, coated, painted or polished ready to go on. I am now keen to get the wheels fitted as then it will really start to take shape.
When it came to fitting the new steering head bearings I was surprised how easy the whole process was but they went on with no problems at all. If you just take care and make sure all mating surfaces are clean, smooth, greased and free from any powder coating, paint or blasting media etc the job is a breeze. These forks will need to come out again when I find some headlight ears as I don't want to put that worn out old 2CV headlight back on.
The freshly powder coated rack is now fitted back on the Ariel and looking good with it's new fixings. This is very useful for carrying your case of beer to the camp site apparently.
I have also fitted new fuel tank support rubbers as the old one's had perished badly. I always use red rubber grease on parts like this because rubber without lubrication dries out, hardens, cracks or breaks, if you use a petroleum-based grease rubber can swell and loose it's shape, with red rubber grease being vegetable oil based it does not harm rubber and can be used safely for installing rubber and also plastic components, well worth using.
4 x Rubber tank supports used on the Ariel Huntmaster 1957-58, Part No; 5060-57 1 x Fuel tank centre mounting rubber used on Ariel Huntmasters 1957-58, Part No; 5060-54 I now have the wheels back and fitted and the old girl is finally back on her feet and taking shape, happy days. Ariel Huntmaster Rolling Chassis.